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#129571 - 02/26/10 01:59 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: frenchie]
Ken the Bear Offline
member

Registered: 02/09/10
Posts: 45
Loc: St Louis
I usually bring a conan novel, or some mark twain. I dont think I could cut up a bible though.

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#134449 - 05/31/10 12:24 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: keepitlow]
goatpacker Offline
member

Registered: 01/22/05
Posts: 86
Loc: Eastern Washington
Old paperback books are not too heavy--if you use the recently read pages as your fuel source. This soon-to-be-available ultralight KK (about 6 oz.) can be fueled by paper.


http://www.theboilerwerks.com/2010/05/rainy-day-hot-tea/


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#134450 - 05/31/10 01:14 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: aimless]
aimless Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
Here is a follow-on to my remarks upthread about experimenting with taking audio books on a tiny MP3 player with an external speaker. I found that it didn't work as well as I wished and I am back to regular old paperbacks in the 4 oz to 6 oz range.

The problem was that if my attention strayed for more than an instant, I would miss some words, and I never felt right about these lacunae. Rewinding was possible, but a pain, compared to just glancing a bit higher on the page.

I would guess that an MP3 player would work much better for listening to radio-type material, where a brief lapse of attention is less critical than with literature.

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#134452 - 05/31/10 02:51 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: keepitlow]
Bearpaw Offline
Moderator

Registered: 07/25/04
Posts: 1732
Loc: Tennessee
I always take at least one book.

Some here don't like to hear it, but backpacking is about more than just the weight of your pack. An extra pound or two of highly prized items more than make up for a bit of extra effort on the trail.
_________________________
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#134455 - 05/31/10 05:16 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: Bearpaw]
Trailrunner Offline
member

Registered: 01/05/02
Posts: 1835
Loc: Los Angeles
Originally Posted By Bearpaw
backpacking is about more than just the weight of your pack.


Blasphemy!!!!! Don't you know that children could be reading this???? Repent now and you will be forgiven.
_________________________
If you only travel on sunny days you will never reach your destination.*

* May not apply at certain latitudes in Canada and elsewhere.

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#134456 - 05/31/10 05:55 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: Trailrunner]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada
Heck I often take *two* books. and yes paperbacks are heavy, and sure, I could shred them but bah..

I keep threatening to buy a kindle because that would be lighter but I'm worried I would kill it on the trail.
_________________________
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My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
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#134536 - 06/02/10 12:10 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: Ken the Bear]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Quote:
I dont think I could cut up a bible though.


I talked to my pastor about slicing up the old Bible (the binding was already defunct) before I did the slicing. He thought that it was a wonderful idea. He said he really hates going to someone's home and seeing a Bible on the coffee table that has obviously never been used. A Bible is meant to have notes taken in it, to be dog-eared, to have a raggedy binding, even to be sliced up so you can take it on a backpacking trip! It's not the physical book that's sacred but the Word in it!


Edited by OregonMouse (06/02/10 12:13 AM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#134561 - 06/02/10 09:24 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: OregonMouse]
balzaccom Online   content
member

Registered: 04/06/09
Posts: 2232
Loc: Napa, CA
My Wife takes 1-2 books on every trip. I take fishing equipment.
_________________________
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

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#135870 - 07/05/10 10:30 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: Ken the Bear]
Zalman Offline
member

Registered: 10/25/09
Posts: 97
Loc: Olympic Peninsula, Washington,...
Originally Posted By Ken the Bear
I usually bring a conan novel, or some mark twain. I dont think I could cut up a bible though.


Cutting up a Conan novel -- at least a Robert E. Howard original -- is at least as sacrilege! eek
_________________________
It's easy to be a holy man on top of a mountain.
-- Larry Darrell

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#135986 - 07/08/10 11:29 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: OregonMouse]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
scghsgfhs hg


Edited by Jimshaw (07/09/10 12:37 AM)
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

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#136256 - 07/14/10 10:33 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: Jimshaw]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Originally Posted By Jimshaw
scghsgfhs hg


Sorry, Jim, but is that book written in Pig Latin?

BF cool
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#136388 - 07/16/10 12:54 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: keepitlow]
sparkyy Offline
member

Registered: 09/18/08
Posts: 20
Loc: southern california
Definitely! They are heavy. I guess I probably go without, more than I bring them with, but man it is a cool luxery, especially when solo.


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#136470 - 07/17/10 05:41 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: keepitlow]
Zeno Offline
member

Registered: 07/16/10
Posts: 29
When I don't take something to read, I want something to read. When I bring something to read, I don't even take it out of the pack. I wish I had an answer to this. It does little more than cause frustration. I've even tried taking a very small notebook and pencil, so I could do some writing. Same deal. I want it when it isn't there, and I don't care that I have it when it is.

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#136482 - 07/18/10 08:48 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: Zeno]
ringtail Offline
member

Registered: 08/22/02
Posts: 2296
Loc: Colorado Rockies
Yep, I hear ya. For many years I carried a book that I never read. Then I converted to hammock. Now I take the first good camp site so I can lay in my hammock and read. awesome awesome
_________________________
"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."
Yogi Berra

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#136505 - 07/18/10 01:58 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: ringtail]
aimless Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
For those of us who like to read and do it frequently, I find that the peace and quiet of the outdoors is ideal for reading in camp, before or after supper. I can read with closer attention and with less effort. I follow the line of narrative or reasoning more easily, and I retain more. And any time I want to stop a moment and reflect, my eyes can rest on a scene of contemplative beauty.

It's the bee's knees.

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#136535 - 07/19/10 12:00 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: keepitlow]
gregpphoto Offline
member

Registered: 01/15/09
Posts: 23
Loc: New Jersey
I would love for them to bring back mini books like were shipped overseas in WWII! Talk about ultra light.

I don't often bring a book, since my itinerary doesn't often call for much rest. But if I'm planning on staying in an area for a few days relaxing, then definitely. I love reading about evolution when I'm camping since I can witness it occurring all around me.
_________________________
www.gregpphoto.com

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#136931 - 07/29/10 03:38 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: keepitlow]
akluvitlivit Offline
member

Registered: 07/29/10
Posts: 15
Loc: Alaska
Yes, I definitely carry some form of reading material. It is usually magazines and/or light paperback books as well as maps. I have yet to see it as much of a space-taker or weight issue.
_________________________
“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
-- Frank A. Clark


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#138707 - 09/13/10 12:16 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: ringtail]
Redfacery Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/10
Posts: 82
Loc: NY
Right on. Plus, with a trip to alaska this summer, I could read well into the "night" if I chose - or "early in the morning". Kinda nice never needing a flashlight and being able to lounge in a hammock (the bug netting also added to the awesome factor) and read to my heart's content.

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#141607 - 11/07/10 04:12 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: keepitlow]
jps1021 Offline
member

Registered: 12/27/09
Posts: 58
Loc: Vegas

No, for the following reasons:

1. I spend too much time trying to lighten up the pack.

2. I'm out playing during the daylight hours.

3. A good fire and letting the mind run are all the evening entertainment I need. (I'm usually out doing solos)

4. Hard to read while doing your business in the woods!


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#141611 - 11/07/10 09:44 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: gregpphoto]
Barefoot Friar Offline
member

Registered: 01/23/09
Posts: 176
Loc: Houston, Alabama
I know what you mean, gregphoto. I'm the same, only different -- I like reading about Creation since I can witness it occurring all around me. laugh (Not starting a fight, just poking ya a bit!)

I actually usually take a book about spirituality or something like that with me. I have also been known to take a Louis L'Amour western with me as well. But I almost always do take a book.
_________________________
"Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls."

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#141612 - 11/07/10 11:11 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: Barefoot Friar]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada

Interestingly I've actually *changed* what I do on hikes this year.

I do like to read at night in my hammock.

I took a paperback book on one trip this year, my first one in Tasmania in january. Since then I have ended up with kindle for iPhone on my iPhone - and started getting books for that to read on the plane. After figuring out my phone's battery would last a relatively long time in "airplane mode" with all the reception turned off, I have actually been taking my iPhone with the kindle software and a bunch of books on it instead of my traditional paperback novel. the Iphone has other uses, like being a backup camera when I've done something stupid with my camera batteries (like flattening them or forgetting the extra) which it has done yeoman's service on two of my trips this year, so I'm kind of ok with it. the phone is lighter than a paperback and does have some multi use properties (although I can't tear pages out of it to light fires or wipe my butt wink )

_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
Browse my pictures


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#141632 - 11/08/10 09:23 AM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: phat]
mike Offline
member

Registered: 01/07/02
Posts: 211
Loc: Ohio
Typically before a trip I will head down to the local library and pick up a paperback. Only problem is that I typically don't reserve the books in advance and have ended up with fairly uninspiring fiction....

Anyway, usually a sci fi or fantasy paperback along with a very tiny 'gideon' size bible. Nothing like sitting down for a break on the trail and have a very angry squirrel bark at you for 30 minutes.

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#141700 - 11/09/10 02:22 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: mike]
millergear Offline
member

Registered: 05/28/03
Posts: 523
Loc: Raleigh, NC
I usually get a paper back from the used book store and cut the spine to take just the number of pages I think i'll have time to read. Pages I've read become tinder. Or the time I had 2 days of the "Trots" the extra "TP" was greatly appreciated!
_________________________
Omnia mea mecum porto. - I carry with me all my things

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#141706 - 11/09/10 05:45 PM Re: Do you take a book/s? [Re: millergear]
Barefoot Friar Offline
member

Registered: 01/23/09
Posts: 176
Loc: Houston, Alabama
I cannot bring myself to treat a book that way... even a cheap, used one. Every book has a story to tell, a lesson to teach. Some teach it well, while others do not. Some bring positive lessons (do this), while others bring negative ones (Do not do this). But all have something to say, or else the author would not have taken the time to put pen to paper.

If I were in an emergency situation, I would try to use other things as tender or TP before using the pages of a book.

But then, I am an unabashed bibliophile. smile
_________________________
"Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls."

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